Toyota Rust-Prone Truck Frame Class Action Settlement

Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the frames in some of its popular trucks were prone to rust, requiring repairs and/or replacement.

If you own or lease (or if you previously owned or leased) a Toyota Tacoma, Tundra or Sequoia, you may be eligible for benefits from the Toyota class action settlement.

The Toyota class action lawsuit, which was initially filed in October 2014 by plaintiff Ryan Burns, asserts that the frames of certain Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles do not have adequate rust protection. As a result, the frames allegedly rust or corrode prematurely.

Burns alleges that excessively corroded truck frames pose a safety hazard and affect the vehicle’s ability to withstand or minimize damage in the event of a car accident. The Toyota class action lawsuit asserts that the rusty truck frame defect renders the vehicles “unstable and unsafe.”

Toyota denies that it engaged in any wrongdoing and maintains that there is no rust protection defect in the trucks. However, the motor company has agreed to settle the rusty truck frame class action lawsuit to avoid the expense and uncertainty of ongoing litigation.

The proposed Toyota class action settlement will provide a free Frame Inspection and Replacement Program to determine whether a Class Member’s vehicle frame should be replaced.

If replacement is necessary in order to meet the Rust Perforation Standard, the frame will be replaced at no cost. Toyota has also agreed to reimburse Class Members who paid for frame replacement due to rust perforation and whose costs were incurred prior to Jan. 3, 2017.

Class Members who would like to exclude themselves from or object to the Toyota truck settlement must do so no later than Mar. 27, 2017.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members of the Toyota rusty truck frame settlement include anyone who owns or leases (or who previously owned or leased) one of the following Toyota truck models:

• 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra
• 2005-2008 Toyota Sequoia

Potential Award

Varies.

The type of benefits each Class Member is eligible to receive depends on several factors. Class Members who currently own or lease their vehicles will be able to take part in a Frame Inspection and Replacement Program to determine whether the truck’s frame should be replaced. NOTE: The Frame Inspection and Replacement Program will begin after the settlement becomes finalized.

If a Class Member’s vehicle must remain at a Toyota Dealership overnight (or longer), Toyota has agreed to provide a loaner vehicle (with proof of adequate insurance) for up to seven days while the frame is being replaced.

Proof of Purchase

Class Members must submit a Claim Form and supporting documentation, if available, to be considered for reimbursement for a prior frame replacement.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

6/26/2017

Case Name

Brian Warner, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-02171-FMO-FFM, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

4/27/2017

UPDATE: The Toyota Rust-Prone Truck Frame class action settlement was granted final approval on May 21, 2017.  However, appeals to the settlement have been filed.  Claims will not be paid until all appeals are exhausted.  We appreciate your ongoing patience. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.

UPDATE 2: As of October 30, 2017, appeals to the Toyota Rust-Prone Truck Frame settlement have been dismissed.  It is not known at this time how quickly claims will be paid.  Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check or frame replacement in the comments section below or on our  Facebook page.

Settlement Website

www.ToyotaFrameSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Settlement Notice Administrator
Brian Warner, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
c/o Heffler Claims Group
P.O. Box 910
Philadelphia, PA 19105-0910
1-800-481-7948

Class Counsel

Timothy G. Blood
BLOOD HURST AND O’REARDON LLP

Ben Barnow
BARNOW AND ASSOCIATES PC

Defense Counsel

John P. Hopper
REED SMITH LLP